BRAIN tumour survivor Teresa Hilton was given 12 months to live but is counting her blessings five years, two daughters’ marriages and six grandchildren later.

“I’d like to give hope to other people who’ve had devastating news like me,” says the retired cardiac nurse who was treated at the same Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in Bodelwyddan where she worked for 20 years.

Now the mum-of-two savours every single day at her home in Rhos Road, Rhos on Sea with husband David – her “rock”.

“It’s still here but it’s not causing any trouble. I’ve got a few issues with my left side. It’s a bit stiff and weak.

“But I can walk and use my arms.”

As well as her medical journey, it’s been tough emotionally too.

Teresa, a Christian, had worked as a cardiac catheter laboratory nurse so had no experience of cancer treatment.

She said: “I was frightened and confused. I didn’t know what to do apart from taking the treatments offered – radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

“I confided in a friend of my wish to go to church. I had not been to confession for many years and she came with me.

“This was the start of my calling to God to walk with me on this unknown journey. He has not let me down.

“I see his love in my husband, family and friends and the health professionals who help me to cope with my disabilities.

“Today, after over five years, I am still alive and feel God’s love very strongly as he walks with me.”

Looking back, Teresa says: “You’ve got to believe but you’ve got to have hope. I would never have survived without my faith.”

Clearly, the bombshell diagnosis had devastated her family and led her daughter to bring forward her wedding plans so that Mum could attend.

Cathryn and Craig would have been wed in September, 2008, in Olu Deniz near Bodrum in Turkey. But in an emotional ceremony they tied the knot six months earlier at Aberhod Old Hall in Rhos on Sea in March that year.

Nichola and Rhys followed suit three years later with their own children bringing more and more joy.

Teresa says: “Now I keep myself busy gardening and with the grandchildren. I also go to a exercise classes at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay.”

David, 60, has been truly inspirational.

She said: “My husband is my rock. When I was diagnosed he told me ‘It’s alright. We’ll get through it.’ ”

David says simply: “Teresa is still alive and doing great. We have six grandchildren that we thought she would never see – let alone know about.

“She has been attending St Kentigern’s Hospice in St Asaph from the start and goes every Wednesday.

“She feels extremely grateful for all the love and support from the staff who have been wonderful.”